Chasiv Yar is under siege. Russian forces intensify bombings ahead of Victory Day
10:38 AM EDT, April 21, 2024
Russian forces are launching heavy bombings on Chasiv Yar in eastern Ukraine, aimed at seizing the city by May 8 - just before the anniversary of World War II's end. The UK's Ministry of Defence notes this strategy mirrors the intense bombardments seen in the Avdiivka campaign.
The intense bombardment of Chasiv Yar by Russian troops is recognized by the UK Ministry of Defense as mirroring previous tactics used in the Avdiivka operation. Despite these efforts, the Ministry highlights that the advancement of Russian ground forces is notably slow.
The daily intelligence update revealed that on April 14, the commander of the Ukrainian armed forces, Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, warned that Russian forces aimed to take Chasiv Yar by May 9, which is celebrated in Russia as Victory Day. He mentioned that seizing the town was part of their strategy to control Kramatorsk, a larger neighboring city eventually.
Coordinated bombardments mimic previous tactics
According to an April 18 report by the commander of the Ukrainian Operational-Strategic Group Chortytsia, Russian air forces are deploying 20-30 rounds of ammunition daily, likely from Su-25 and Su-34 aircraft. The former operates near the frontline, while the latter can launch gliding bombs from a distance.
The report stated that the bombardments were coordinated and reflected tactics previously seen in Avdiivka. It noted that Chasiv Yar, a heavily fortified city on elevated terrain, is experiencing only slow progression from Russian ground forces.
